Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Berkeley, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Berkeley are South Berkeley, Elmwood, and Hillegass. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Berkeley, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of September 20, 2025, the average rent in Berkeley is $2,236, which is 0.1% higher than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.
South Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,477/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.8%
TransitScore® Rating
65/100
Units Available
144 Rentals
South Berkeley is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in South Berkeley is $2,477 while the city average is $2,236. This is a -0.8% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to People's Park, Temescal Plaza, and North Berkeley Station. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 93.
Elmwood
Average Rent
$2,479/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1%
TransitScore® Rating
60/100
Units Available
38 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Berkeley neighborhood on a budget, check out Elmwood. The average rent is $2,479, compared to the city average of $2,236. Rent prices have decreased by 1%. Elmwood is convenient to Lincoln University, Oakland, San Francisco International, and Ashby Station. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 95.
Hillegass
Average Rent
$2,488/Month
TransitScore® Rating
63/100
Units Available
53 Rentals
Hillegass is an affordable neighborhood in Berkeley with an average rent price of $2,488. Compare this to the city average of $2,236. Hillegass provides easy access to University and Jepson Herbaria, Metro Oakland International, and Rockridge Station. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 96.
Spaulding at Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,488/Month
TransitScore® Rating
67/100
Units Available
26 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Berkeley, Spaulding at Berkeley might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,488, while the city’s average stands at $2,236. Spaulding at Berkeley is near Samuel Merritt University, Lincoln University, Oakland, and Acheson Commons.
San Pablo Park
Average Rent
$2,597/Month
TransitScore® Rating
56/100
Units Available
15 Rentals
San Pablo Park is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in San Pablo Park is $2,597 while the city average is $2,236. Residents enjoy convenient access to Berkeley City College, Cedar-Rose Park, and Willard Park. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 91.
Southwest Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,706/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.9%
TransitScore® Rating
58/100
Units Available
67 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Berkeley neighborhood on a budget, check out Southwest Berkeley. The average rent is $2,706, compared to the city average of $2,236. Rent prices have increased by 2.9%. Southwest Berkeley is convenient to The Public Market, Downtown Berkeley Station, and Southside Square. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 91.
Berry Bangs
Average Rent
$2,711/Month
TransitScore® Rating
60/100
Units Available
26 Rentals
Berry Bangs is an affordable neighborhood in Berkeley with an average rent price of $2,711. Compare this to the city average of $2,236. Berry Bangs provides easy access to Lincoln University, Oakland, Acheson Commons, and San Francisco International. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 95.
Downtown Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,775/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.8%
TransitScore® Rating
71/100
Units Available
180 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Berkeley, Downtown Berkeley might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,775, while the city’s average stands at $2,236. In the last year, prices have decreased by 0.8%. Downtown Berkeley is near Habitot Children's Museum, San Francisco International, and Samuel Merritt University.
Ocean View
Average Rent
$2,779/Month
TransitScore® Rating
58/100
Units Available
28 Rentals
Ocean View is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Ocean View is $2,779 while the city average is $2,236. Residents enjoy convenient access to UC Berkeley, Eddy Arboretum, and Gilman Village. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 91.
Poet's Corner
Average Rent
$2,811/Month
TransitScore® Rating
64/100
Units Available
24 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Berkeley neighborhood on a budget, check out Poet's Corner. The average rent is $2,811, compared to the city average of $2,236. Poet's Corner is convenient to Lincoln University, Oakland, Acheson Commons, and North Berkeley. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 93.
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Methodology
Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.
We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.